Jewish Book Series: Lunch & Learn with Roni Malkai
2026-02-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
Please join us at the JCC on **Thursday, February 19** from **12-1 PM** for an
in-person Lunch & Learn and a virtual visit from Roni Malkai, the author of
_We Are Black Jews: Ethiopian Jewry and the Journey to Equality in Israel._
Enjoy a delicious lunch while listening to Roni speak about her book over
Zoom.
Roni Fantanesh Malkai’s newest book, _We Are Black Jews_ , tells the story and
history of the Ethiopian Jewish community, highlighting the unique Jewish
identity and culture of Beta Israel. The book explores Beta Israel’s
immigration to Israel from Ethiopia and their struggle for equality once in
Israel. The story weaves together personal narratives with historical
accounts, bringing in Malkai’s personal experience coming to Israel with her
family as refugees on foot.
This event is part of the JCC’s ongoing **Book Series** , where visiting
Jewish authors give public talks on their work to bring new ideas and
literature to the community. **The cost of this program is $12.50/person.**
_JCC community events and programs are open to all regardless of faith or
background. All are welcome._
Organized by: JCC of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14125

Tot Shabbat
2026-02-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
Join us for a playful morning of Jewish songs and stories. Challah and grape
juice kiddush included. For kids age 1 through 1st grade and parents, but all
are welcome to join.
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14165

Jewish Storytime at the AADL
2026-02-22 10:30 - 12:30 | Ann Arbor District Library: Downtown 343 S 5th Ave, Ann Arbor
**Join Carmel & Ori for Jewish Story Time**
There will be both English and Hebrew sessions but we invite families to join
for both!
* **10:30-11:30:** Jewish story time & Activity
* **11:30-12:30:** Hebrew Jewish story time & Activity (Hebrew immersion)
Organized by: Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13418

Safety and Security Trainings - The Power of Hello
2026-02-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Temple Beth Emeth 2309 Packard St, Ann Arbor
**Situational Awareness**
Tuesday, February 10 at 7:00 p.m. In-person & Zoom
**The Power of Hello**
Monday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m. Zoom only
**Active Assailant with Ann Arbor Police Department**
Wednesday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. In-person only
_It Is highly recommended you attend situational awareness first._
**Building Tour (of TBE spaces)**
Learn locations of AED, Tornado Shelters, exit doors, etc.
Friday, March 13 at 5:00 p.m. In-person only. All ages are welcome and
encouraged.
Organized by: Temple Beth Emeth
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14434

U-M Frankel Center Event: Jewish Journalism in Dark Times
2026-02-24 17:00 - 18:30 | Thayer Building – Room 2022, 202 South Thayer St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Jewish Journalism in Dark Times
Tuesday, February 24 from 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Room 2022, South Thayer Building
RSVP: https://myumi.ch/QwpXD
Panelists: Naomi Brenner (Ohio State University), Gilad Halpern, and Matthew Handelman (2025–2026 Frankel Institute Fellows)

Join us for a roundtable discussion exploring the transformation of Jewish journalism during the interwar years (1918–1939) and World War II, an era of profound upheaval. Panelists will analyze how Jewish newspapers and journals became vital platforms for political, literary, and cultural engagement. The discussion will highlight dramatic shifts in journalistic practices, including evolving editorial strategies, reporting methods, and technological innovations in format and distribution and the transnational and transcultural elements that come to the fore during that time. Panelists will also examine the economic pressures and opportunities that shaped the Jewish press, and consider the influence and role of Jews as journalists within the broader media landscape.
Gilad Halpern, journalist and media historian, draws on recent doctoral research on The Palestine Post amid imperial decline and rising nationalism, bridging professional and scholarly perspectives. Naomi Brenner explores entertainment fiction in the Hebrew and Yiddish press, focusing on the aesthetics and politics of the roman-feuilleton as a transnational literary form. Matthew Handelman investigates the cultural politics of German Jewish intellectuals and the primacy of culture in political discourse from the Weimar Republic onward.
Central to the conversation is the role of Jewish periodicals as spaces for cultural expression, literary experimentation, and political debate. These publications not only documented Jewish life, but actively shaped identities, fostered transnational dialogue, and provided forums for writers, artists, and intellectuals grappling with questions of survival and belonging. This roundtable offers timely insights into journalism during a time of crisis, illuminating enduring questions about Jews and media.

Jewish Journalism in Dark Times
2026-02-24 17:00 - 18:30 | 202 S Thayer St 202 S Thayer St, Ann Arbor
Join us for a roundtable discussion exploring the transformation of Jewish
journalism during the interwar years (1918–1939) and World War II, an era of
profound upheaval. Panelists will analyze how Jewish newspapers and journals
became vital platforms for political, literary, and cultural engagement. The
discussion will highlight dramatic shifts in journalistic practices, including
evolving editorial strategies, reporting methods, and technological
innovations in format and distribution and the transnational and transcultural
elements that come to the fore during that time. Panelists will also examine
the economic pressures and opportunities that shaped the Jewish press, and
consider the influence and role of Jews as journalists within the broader
media landscape.
**Gilad Halpern** , journalist and media historian, draws on recent doctoral
research on The Palestine Post amid imperial decline and rising nationalism,
bridging professional and scholarly perspectives.**Naomi Brenner** explores
entertainment fiction in the Hebrew and Yiddish press, focusing on the
aesthetics and politics of the roman-feuilleton as a transnational literary
form.**Matthew Handelman** investigates the cultural politics of German Jewish
intellectuals and the primacy of culture in political discourse from the
Weimar Republic onward.
Central to the conversation is the role of Jewish periodicals as spaces for
cultural expression, literary experimentation, and political debate. These
publications not only documented Jewish life, but also actively shaped
identities, fostered transnational dialogue, and provided forums for writers,
artists, and intellectuals grappling with questions of survival and belonging.
This roundtable offers timely insights into journalism during a time of
crisis, illuminating enduring questions about Jews and media.
Organized by: U-M Frankel Center for Judaic Studies
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13936

Hebrew Classes with Milka (Intro 5-6pm, Prayer Book 6:15-7pm, Beg Conv 7:15-8pm, Adv Conv 8:15-9:pm)
2026-02-24 17:00 - 21:00 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
Winter Hebrew Session with Milka Eliav
$140/members, $195/non-members.
Introductory Hebrew 5-6pm
This is the class for complete beginners with no prior knowledge. Learn
letters and vowels and how to put them together and read aloud. Gain an
understanding of how Hebrew differs from English and how it works. Gain some
basic vocabulary and build confidence in our approach to Hebrew. _*If you have
any experience, you should sign up for Prayer Book Reading (not this class)._
Prayer Book 6:15-7:00pm
If you can read Hebrew and want to improve your fluency, speed and confidence,
this is the class for you! We will focus on texts from the prayer book and the
Jewish Bible, dedicate some class time to discussing meaning and recurring
vocabulary, and learn some reading principles to help with fluency and
pronunciation. We will use the book _Prayer Book Hebrew, The Easy Way._
Beginning Conversation 7:15-8:00pm
This class offers a taste of modern Hebrew for Communication. Reading Hebrew
is a plus but not a requirement. We will jump right into Hebrew and learn to
introduce ourselves, ask questions, describe things like our families, our
jobs, and other common topics. We may even learn to order in an Israeli
restaurant. Come dip your toes in this Modern-ancient language and roll some
Hebrew off your tongue!
Advanced Conversation 8:15-9:00pm.
Advanced Conversation: If you can carry on a conversation in Hebrew on various
topics, this class is for you. Come join a relaxed and welcoming hour of
Hebrew only. Participants talk and read together about a wide range of
subjects, while highlighting grammatical points, enriching vocabulary, and
exploring cultural references. “Hebrew Table” at its best!
Register through the calendar on our website by January 23rd.
*Please note that we must have at least 5 people registered to run a class.
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14168

Israeli Nifgashim
2026-02-24 19:00 - 20:30
ישראלים נפגשים
הרצאה קצרה, שיחה וחברים
3 gatherings for Israelis in Hebrew.
On February 24th Aviv Touitou Certified aromatherapist and social worker
speaks about Aromatherapy – The Power of Essential Oils to Support & Heal the
Body & Mind.
On March 24th Ariel Levi, DDS, Orthodontist speaks about the Basics of
Orthodontics.
On May 19th Tomer Stern, PhD, MSc, Assistant Professor at the University of
Michigan School of Dentistry speaks about Advancing Skeletal Pathology
Research Through Computational Biology.
Organized by: Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14737

Jewish Community Board Training Series
2026-02-25 18:00 - 21:00 | Jewish Community Center of Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States
The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor invites current and future board members to participate in a series of three engaging and enriching sessions focused on the skills, knowledge, and responsibilities of serving as a Jewish community board member.
For more information and registration, click here: Jewish Community Board Leadership Series Registration Form – Fill out form

Mussar with Roann Altman
2026-02-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
2 Thursdays a month from 7:00-8:30pm in the G&S 2010 Building, beginning
February 26th and continuing on 3/12, 3/26, 416, 4/30, 5/14, and 5/28. Join a
study group (_va’ad_) with Mussar-trained facilitator Roann Altman to uncover
how we can transform our lives one step at a time. After leading groups for 13
years and a 6-year Covid hiatus, Roann returns to bring wisdom from Mussar
masters for living a more meaningful and Jewish-based life. Participants are
asked to purchase, and bring to the first meeting, the Mussar text _Everyday
Holiness_ , by Alan Morinis.There is no charge to participate in the group,
but commitment to attend all sessions is required. Please register through the
calendar by February 18th.
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14289

Shabbat Zachor
2026-02-28
Shabbat before Purim

HDS Purim Fundraiser
2026-02-28 19:30 - 23:00 | Hebrew Day School of AA, 2937 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States

Shushan Speakeasy
2026-02-28 20:00 - 23:00
Behind the secret door:
delicious bites, open bar and speakeasy games await.
Dress to impress in your finest Roaring ’20’s attire or Purim costume.
Must be 21 years and older to attend.
Organized by: Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12905

Israeli Purim Party
2026-03-01 11:00 - 12:00 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
Please join us for a Purim Party for Israeli families hosted by the
Shinshinim. There will be a small selection of snacks and drinks. We will have
activities for children, music, and good energy. Costumes encouraged, but are
not required.
Organized by: Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14525

Purim Carnival (3/1), Megillah Reading and Purim Spiel (3/2) at Beth Israel
2026-03-01 11:30 - 12:30, 2026-03-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
Families–Join us on March 1st from 11:30-12:30 for our Purim Carnival! Games,
prizes, costume contest, mini megillah reading, and hamantashen.
Join us on March 2nd at 6pm for the megillah reading and Purim Spiel, written
and directed by Tom Segal. Dessert reception to follow!
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14202

Ta'anit Esther
2026-03-02
Fast of Esther

Erev Purim
2026-03-02
Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar

Purim
2026-03-03

Purim in the Shuk
2026-03-03 17:00 - 20:30 | 2935 Birch Hollow Dr 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor

Shushan Purim
2026-03-04
Purim celebrated in Jerusalem and walled cities

JCC: Dance Recital
2026-03-05 15:00 - 17:00
details to come

Women's Philanthropy Volunteers @ JFS
2026-03-06 11:00 - 13:00
Join **Jewish Federation Women’s Philanthropy** for a series of giving back
in our own community. We will be helping **JFS Nourish Food Pantry** prepare
and pack food to be distributed to members of our community.
Space is limited to 4-6 people! Follow the registration button to sign up!
Organized by: Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14849

Shabbat Parah
2026-03-07
Shabbat of the Red Heifer

Tot Shabbat
2026-03-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
Join us for a playful morning of Jewish songs and stories. Challah and grape
juice kiddush included. For kids age 1 through 1st grade and parents, but all
are welcome to join. Please note that in order to participate in Tot Shabbat,
all tots must be accompanied by an adult. Thanks for helping to make this fun
and safe for everyone!
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14741

PJ Explorers with HDS
2026-03-08 11:00 - 13:00 | Leslie Science Center, 1831 Traver Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States

ORT Movie Group
2026-03-08 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom
The ORT Movie Group meets at 4PM on Zoom on the second Sunday of the month, with some exceptions (holidays, etc.). The group selects two movies to
watch on our own (through streaming sites) and discuss each month.
For more information about membership, to see the list of movies we have watched, or for contact information, check the website. Membership in ORT is required.
The website is ortannarbor.org. Look for the Movie Group page for the latest schedule information.

Antisemitism and Criticism of Israel: a conversation with Aviva Klompas
2026-03-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Ann Arbor , Ann Arbor
Aviva Klompas—renowned speaker, podcaster, and author—joins Elyssa Schmier,
Director of ADL Michigan, for a powerful and timely conversation. Together,
they will explore the rise of antisemitism, the war in Israel, how this moment
has reshaped our community, and what it means for the future of the Jewish
people. Join us for an important dialogue about where we are—and where we go
from here.
Organized by: Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor,
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14249

Purim Karaoke Costume Party for 9th-12th Graders
2026-03-08 19:30 - 21:30 | Ann Arbor , Ann Arbor
Purim Karaoke Costume Party for 9th-12th graders hosted by Shinshinem. Food,
drinks, and fun provided! Costumes encouraged, but not required to attend.
Please reach out with any questions.
Organized by: Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14366

EMU CJS: Mike Rothschild “Space Lasers and Conspiracies”
2026-03-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Eastern Michigan University Student Center 310A, 900 Oakwood, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, United States
Now rescheduled for March 9th, 2026
A presentation by Mike Rothschild related to his book Jewish Space Lasers: The Rothschilds and 200 years of Conspiracy Theories.
